Is Uncured - Dry Rubbed Sliced Bacon Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this product is strictly off-limits for vegans, we need to look closely at the source material and the processing agents used. The primary ingredient is PORK. Regardless of how it is prepared—whether cured, uncured, smoked, or dry-rubbed—pork is the flesh of a pig, making it an animal product. Therefore, it is not plant-based.

Many consumers are drawn to the term Uncured thinking it implies a healthier or more natural product. In the food industry, 'uncured' simply means that the manufacturer did not use synthetic sodium nitrites or nitrates to preserve the meat. Instead, they used natural sources of nitrates, specifically CULTURED CELERY POWDER. This ingredient is derived from celery that has been fermented to concentrate its natural nitrates. While this avoids synthetic additives, it functions identically in the body and does not change the fact that the base ingredient is an animal.

The remaining ingredients—SEA SALT, RAW SUGAR, and SPICES—are plant-derived and generally considered vegan. However, the presence of RAW SUGAR is worth noting for strict vegans. Some raw sugars are processed using bone char (charred animal bones) to achieve whiteness, though this is less common with products labeled specifically as 'raw sugar'. Regardless, the overwhelming presence of pork makes the entire product non-vegan.

Nutritional Value

When analyzing the nutritional profile of Uncured - Dry Rubbed Sliced Bacon, the high fat and sodium content are the most significant factors. Bacon is a calorie-dense food, primarily due to its high saturated fat content. While fat is a necessary macronutrient, the saturated fats found in processed meats like bacon should be consumed in moderation to maintain heart health.

The inclusion of RAW SUGAR adds a subtle sweetness to the dry rub, but it also contributes to the total carbohydrate count. For those following strict low-carb or ketogenic diets, this added sugar is a crucial detail to track. While a slice or two fits within many standard dietary limits, the cumulative effect of sodium and saturated fat can be a concern for individuals monitoring blood pressure or cholesterol levels.